People suffering from chronic hip pain used to have only one surgical option: total hip replacement. Medical tourists today are traveling to India and Belgium to seek the expertise of surgeons who specialize in a newer procedure, hip resurfacing. Perhaps you've already taken the first step: to see your local orthopedic surgeon for x-rays and advice. Maybe you've already been told you need a Total Hip Replacement. You might even have researched options to Total Hip Replacement (THR)and discovered a newer, less invasive alternative: Hip Resurfacing. At this point, particularly if full insurance coverage is an issue, you might have become overwhelmed with choices and unanswered questions. Here's a quick five step guide to help you over the hurdles: Step 1: Understand the difference between Total Hip Replacement and Hip Resurfacing In hip replacement, the surgeon removes the damaged and worn hip socket and ball, and replaces both with smooth, artificial implants to restore the hip's strength and flexibility. A stem is installed into the thigh to support the implants. This surgery alters the hip's bone architecture and load balancing over time, and may require additional surgery after ten to fifteen years. With resurfacing, far less bone is removed. A small shaving is taken off the top of the femur so it can accept a smooth metal cap which becomes the joint's new surface. After Vicky Marlow of Fremont, California researched both replacement and resurfacing to alleviate pain from her osteoarthritis, she came to her own conclusion: "It's like the difference between pulling a tooth and doing a complete root canal (replacement) or crowning a tooth (resurfacing)." She was young enough and her hip was healthy enough to make her a good candidate for resurfacing. Marlow's research and personal experience with hip resurfacing led her to start an on-line forum, Surface Hippy (http://www.surfacehippyinfo.com/), where patients around the world learn more about the differences between replacement and resurfacing. There's also a place on the site to share experience and advice(http://www.surfacehippyinfo.com/Why-Resurfacing-/Why-Hip-Resurfacing-/menu-id-27.html). Step 2: Understand why your doctor didn't propose Hip Resurfacing Resurfacing is not the right solution for everyone with chronic hip pain. According to world renowned hip resurfacing surgeon Dr. Vijay Bose at Apollo Hospital in Chennai, India, "Resurfacing is a technique invented specifically for younger patients. Conventional Total Hip Replacement is a better option for an elderly person, but because it can fail over time, it is a poor choice for young patients." Before settling back in India, Dr. Bose was on the ground floor of hip resurfacing at the Royal Orthopedic Hospital in Birmingham, England, where the procedure was invented. Another one of the world's top hip resurfacing surgeon is Dr. Kaushal Malhan. Also UK board certified, he performs hip surgeries at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai, India. Wockhardt in Mumbai is internationally accredited by JCI. Dr Malhan created the world famous Wockhardt Hip Resurfacing Center there. Another reason your doctor might not have included resurfacing as an option is he or she might not be familiar with the procedure because it was approved by the FDA only in 2006. Few U.S. orthopedic doctors possess the hip resurfacing experience of surgeons in such countries as Belgium and India. For example, Hip Resurfacings by Dr. Koen de Smet's private clinic in Belgium total more than 3000. Dr. de Smet's experience has earned him a spot at the top of his field worldwide; and his skill lures surgeons from around the world eager to learn from him. All three doctors are part of WorldMed Assist's network of carefully screened physicians offering lower cost, high quality orthopedic surgery overseas. Step 3: Understand the advantages of Hip Resurfacing if you qualify Patients whose hip condition qualifies them cite these advantages of Hip Resurfacing: - Removes only unhealthy bone and replaces it with a metal on metal articulation. The femur head remains viable after surgery, so for example, they can squat or sit cross-legged without the risk of dislocation. - Everlasting, based on 35-year history of metal on metal implants. - Excellent restoration of full function. - Faster recovery and return to full activity levels. - Overall 99% success rate - ideal option for the younger or more active patient. Step 4: Determine availability of an affordable, high quality option in the U.S. For either Hip Replacement or Resurfacing, first and foremost, choose a surgeon with a solid track record, then determine the total cost: travel, hospital fees, surgeon fees, and all add-on expenses. What will your insurance, minus deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses, cover? It's sometimes difficult to gather all-inclusive costs in the U.S. because the primary players, such as surgeon, hospital, anesthesiologist and physical therapist, often bill patients separately. Be persistent, so you can learn if you're a candidate for high quality surgery abroad at a significant savings. Step 5: If no high quality, affordable option exists in the U.S., contact a reputable medical travel company to help you understand options for surgery abroad Do careful research on selecting a company that will handle every detail of your overseas arrangements, stay in constant contact with you and provide knowledgeable, professional service from first contact through full recovery. Find a company that has a well-managed and carefully researched and accredited network of partner hospitals, and will provide you with a total "no surprises" cost--inclusive of travel, lodging and all medical expenses. WorldMed Assist patients have been consistent in their recommendation to others: "Save yourself the headaches and frustration of trying to arrange overseas health care on your own."
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